2001
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1999
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1997
1994
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1990 - 1992
1985 - 1989
1980 - 1984
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Herstory
Coaches
Community
Officers
Awards
Testimonials
Photo Album
(Eileen Brennan-Erler, President 1990 & Irene Herman, President 1991-92)
In 1990, we had the good fortune to hire Mike Fanelli to coach our rapidly growing team. The workouts returned to San Francisco and became more diversified by focusing as much on track distances and cross country as on road races. We also expanded the team to include triathletes who taught some of us the value of cross training to balance our running. During this time, we also found a generous sponsor in Hoy's Sports and secured Kezar Stadium as our new training home. The coaching staff was rounded out with the addition of Kevin Cruikshank as an assistant coach and physical fitness consultant, and April Powers as our co-coach.
In 1992, the depth of the Impala talent was evident when the third Olympic Marathon Trials were attended by five Impalas-- out of only 120 qualifiers nationwide! These five included Lynn Nelson, Diana Nelson-Fitzpatrick, Lisbet Engberg, Laurie Binder, and Janine Aiello. In addition, the Impala Team experienced an Olympic first by sending our first qualifier for a distance other than the marathon, with Carol Keller running in the 3000 meter trials.
During the same year, our coach Mike Fanelli was selected to coach the Eikeden Relays in Japan, and our own Jen Thatcher O'Reilly represented the Impalas in that important, selective international event. We also sent a team to the National Cross Country Finals in Kenosha, Wisconsin and placed 8th among very strong national level competition. Shirley Matson and Nadine O'Connor finished 1st and 2nd at the National Masters Track & Field Events in the 400 meters. Liz Spurr illustrated the diversity of the Impalas by competing in the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. Kate Sweetman and Liz qualified and competed in the National Triathlon Championships. We also had two members participating in Ultra Events; Suzanne Williams and Dina Kovash. By the end of 1992, the Impalas had our historical best showing in the Pacific TAC Standings, placing 1st in the Open Division, 1st in the Senior Division, and 2nd in the Masters Division. Meanwhile, the size of the Team grew exponentially to a roster of 80 members.
